Research and discussion
1.
(a) Comment on the significance of John
the Baptist and his work according to Mark.
(b)
Has John the Baptist any meaning for modern Christians?
2. (a) Explain the importance of (i) the
Baptism and (ii) the Temptation of Jesus in relation to his ministry, according
to Mark
(b)
What comment can you make on the following: 'A Christian should not be tempted
to do anything wrong'?
3. (a) Comment on the significance of exorcisms
in Mark's gospel
(b)
How may a modern Christian understand the gospel accounts of demon-possession?
4. (a) Explain the importance of miracles of
healing in Mark's gospel. (b) Discuss the attitude of modern Christians to
spiritual healing.
5. (a) Give three examples of conflicts or
controversies in the ministry of Jesus.
(b)
What is the value of these stories to modern Christians?
6. (a) Summarize what the parables of Mark's
gospel teach about the Kingdom of God.
(b)
From your study of the early Church, give some examples of how the little
parables of Mark 2 :21-22 point to what actually happened.
7. (a) Give three examples of different kinds
of responses to Jesus in his ministry.
(b)
Discuss modem responses to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
8. (a) In what ways did Jesus have to face
rejection, according to Mark?
(b)
How might Christians today have to face
rejection?
9. (a) Discuss the picture which Mark gives of
the disciples. (b) How can this be helpful to Christians today?
10. (a) What picture does Mark give of the
Pharisees?
(b)
Are there any warnings for the Church today in what Mark says about them?
11. If you have previously studied the gospel of
Luke, compare the aims of Luke with Mark, in writing his gospel, and comment on
similarities and differences between the two writers.
12. Explain the following passages and comment on
how they may be understood by modern Christians:
(a)
'I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts.'
(b)
'But whoever says evil things against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.'
(c)
'Go back home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you
and how kind he has been to you.'